Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev of Uzbekistan noted that both nations shared common values, religion, and traditions, with Islamabad and Uzbekistan’s ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva united by Islamic civilization and the Sufi tradition
Mahnoor Ansar
Islamabad, : – The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan held a successful tourism roadshow in the heart of Islamabad, bringing together officials, travel agencies, and tourism industry professionals from both Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The event marked a significant step forward in strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two nations, with a special focus on growing tourism and people-to-people contacts.
Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, along with other distinguished guests, attended the event, which was aimed at highlighting the rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage of Uzbekistan while exploring opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev of Uzbekistan delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing the deep-rooted historical ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, dating back to the times of Amir Timur and Zahiriddin Babur. He noted that both nations shared common values, religion, and traditions, with Islamabad and Uzbekistan’s ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva united by Islamic civilization and the Sufi tradition. Ambassador Tukhtaev underscored the importance of the roadshow as an opportunity to transform these shared connections into tangible business and tourism opportunities.
“Tourism is more than just travel. It is a means for people to understand each other, build friendships, and learn from one another. Imagine thousands of Pakistanis visiting the beautiful cities of Uzbekistan, and Uzbeks visiting the landmarks of Pakistan. This will bring our people closer to each other,” said Ambassador Tukhtaev.
The Ambassador also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Uzbek government to improve travel conditions for Pakistani tourists, including simplified visa procedures, direct flights, and growing partnerships between tour operators. Uzbekistan’s rich offerings, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to natural landscapes like mountains and deserts, were showcased as key attractions for adventure lovers, history enthusiasts, and nature fans alike.
Uzbekistan’s unique culinary traditions were also emphasized, with Ambassador Tukhtaev inviting Pakistanis to experience the delights of Uzbek cuisine, including dishes like palov, shashlik, and samsa. He also underscored Uzbekistan’s emerging wellness tourism sector, with natural springs and healing resorts available for relaxation and rejuvenation.
As part of the roadshow, attendees were encouraged to explore investment opportunities in Uzbekistan’s growing tourism industry, including building hotels, transport services, and organizing cultural events. The Ambassador also discussed the role of digital platforms in streamlining the tourism experience, with online booking systems and virtual tours helping to make travel planning more accessible.
The roadshow served as an important platform for fostering collaboration between tourism professionals, with an invitation extended to Pakistani businesses, investors, and influencers to join efforts in creating joint travel packages, cultural exchanges, and eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
In closing, Ambassador Tukhtaev reiterated Uzbekistan’s commitment to developing tourism with Pakistan, inviting more Pakistani visitors to experience the diverse offerings of his country. “Let us build this future together,” he said, encouraging mutual collaboration to strengthen the bond between the two nations.
The roadshow in Islamabad marked the beginning of a new chapter in tourism relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, laying the foundation for an exciting and mutually beneficial partnership.
